Question

Viola finds herself in the land of Illyria after the shipwreck. Based on information in this lesson and your own knowledge, why do you think Viola decided to put on men’s clothing and pretend to be a man?

Answer 1

A shipwreck lands Viola on the shores of Illyria, a new and strange place for her. Viola is conscious of the fact that it would be difficult for her to survive as a single woman in a strange land. She would need to earn a living, and there was no job she could take up without calling undue attention to herself. In order to safeguard her chastity and be able to look out for herself, she figures that she will have to disguise herself as a boy. This disguise would enable her to enjoy more freedom and more opportunities. She learns about the lovesick Duke Orsino and Countess Olivia, who has gone into self-imposed seclusion to mourn the loss of her brother. Viola, disguised as a young man, decides to take up the job of a page in Orsino’s household. Explanation:

Plato

Answer 2

Viola decided to put on men’s clothing and pretend to be a man to earn her living and to live with chastity on the unknown land.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Act 1 of the drama "Twelfth Night", Viola is one of the characters. She landed on the shores of IIIyria which was unknown and strange to her. She realized that she was left alone on the shore where she has to earn her living and live alone. To maintain her chastity and live with confidence, she decided to live in disguise. She decided to disguise as a boy to live an easy life and to gain the maximum opportunity. Viola took up the job of a page in the house of Orsino.